Starz Film Fest to party down

The Starz Denver Film Festival has always been about the movies. And the occasional star. But let’s not forget the parties. They start early, they go long. They leave many a filmgoer voiceless by the Last Reel.

Let’s start Nov. 13 with a VIP Champagne Reception for board members and BIG supporters at Below, the subterranean nightclub in Larimer Square. Then it’s off to the screening at the Ellie of “The Brothers Bloom” — directed by Denver native Rian Johnson. Johnson will be here for the red carpet – but don’t expect the stars to show up, who would be Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo.

The movie is trailed by the Opening Night Party at Bar Standard. Then it’s on to the Argonaut Late Night Lounge in a secret house on Delgany Street. That goes until every night 10 p.m.-4 a.m. — booze, food, music and famous people.

Once the fest gets going, the days pass pleasantly at the Filmmakers’ Lounge noon-10 p.m. in the space that once held the Rattlesnake Club in the Tivoli, home of Starz FilmCenter. More booze and food.

Big Night, Nov. 15, starts with a very private party at the Corner Office, then a screening of “Slumdog Millionaire,” then a wild glitzy Hollywood party at the Seawell Ballroom.
Closing night, Nov. 22, starts with the Mayor’s Reception in the Ellie’s upper floors, then a screening of “Last Chance Harvey” starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson then it all wraps up with a party at Mile High Station. After that, one last stop at the Argonaut Late Night Lounge.

And here’s your best deal. $500 gets you a Supporter Package which gets you into all the parties and VIP lounges, the red carpets and six movies. Think of it as an open bar and free food for 11 days. Everything you need and more is at denverfilm.org.

Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com.